Transcript Chapter 9: Imposing Liberalism

Bringing Liberalism to the
World
Question for Inquiry: To what extent has
the imposition of liberalism today affected
people globally??
There are 2 main reasons why countries try to
impose an ideology, like liberalism on other
countries.
1.
2.
Self Interest- to eliminate or reduce terrorist
threats, or for economic self interest
Humanitarianism- for moral or ethical reasons,
such as improving living conditions or stop
human rights violations
“ The world understands that whilst of course there are dangers in
acting as we are, the dangers of inaction are far, far greater- the
threat of further such outrages, the threats to our economies, the
threats to the stability of the world”
- Tony Blair ( British prime minister), speech to the
British
people, Oct 7, 2001.
1.
What actions is Tony Blair addressing the people about? ( note the date)
2.
Why does he say that it is imperative that action must be taken?
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This idea has been around for a long time, as President Woodrow
Wilson insisted that democracy be an essential part of the peace
treaties after WWI. He stressed the importance of democracy and
self determination in establishing a lasting peace. This notion is
still an important component in American foreign policy.
One of the most common arguments for establishing Liberalism is
for economic self interest, as it will benefit the country where
democracy is not present.
It will benefit the security of other Liberal democracies in the
world. This is ever present since the attacks of 9/11
Open your textbook to page 320, and read from the middle of 320321 about the “war on terror”.
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A belief that a situation demands intervention
for moral or ethical reasons such as the
improvement of living standards.
This reason is sometimes combined with self
interest. For example, the ‘war on terror’ was
justified not only for self interest, but also
based on human rights violations by
Afghanistan as well as Iraq
Turn to page 323
Read over the quotes, and respond to questions 13 together as a class
Zimbabwe
Political turmoil
and poor
management of
the economy
have led to
considerable
economic
hardships.
Zimbabwe
As you watch this
report, decide if
Mugabe’s reaction
(pg. 324) is
warranted
Zimbabwe – A Failed State
(25:00)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPK
GZreusoQ
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The imposition of liberalism is not always
successful.
Democratic elections are often seen as a
prerequisite to peace and good governance.
However, if they are held in an unstable
political climate, they do not always improve
the situation, and actually make it worse.
For example, Rwanda, and Haiti
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/clip381700#clip38144
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To a person so accustomed to the ideology of
liberalism, democracy seems natural.
However, it is important to note, that
democracy didn’t happen overnight here in
Canada, or in the United States for that
matter!
As an ideology, liberalism and the practice of
democracy has changed overtime with the
evolution of social conditions.
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Democracy has a hard time surviving in conditions
such as unemployment, inflation, civil unrest in a
country without democracy already in place.
We have seen this in countries such as Germany,
and recently Haiti.
Turn to page 328 and read to the quote mid way
through the page.
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What is the one condition that the speaker says needs to
be present for democracy to have a long life expectancy
within a country?
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Read the quote on the top of page 329. What
risks are attached to imposing democracy in a
country that is unstable?
Refer to the second quote on page 329 on
Canadian foreign policy, by Tom Keating.
Who does he state as the key to a healthy
political institution?
Do you agree with what the speaker is saying?
Why or why not?
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Respond to the following questions. Please
provide sufficient evidence to support your
response.
What principles of modern liberalism, if any,
should be imposed on non-liberal societies?
Are there any conditions in a non-liberal
society that may impact the ability of these
principles to be successfully embraced and
implemented in a society?